CN114835406A

CN114835406A - Modular closure for coated glass containers

Info

Publication number: CN114835406A
Application number: CN202210628318.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·J·奈哈特; R·C·史密斯
Original assignee: Arkema Inc
Current assignee: Arkema Inc
Priority date: 2017-03-31
Filing date: 2018-03-27
Publication date: 2022-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-27
Also published as: BR112019020441A2; US20210370333A1; TW202304830A; EP3601185A4; US11731154B2; AR111394A1; CN114835406B; US20200061660A1; CN110546116A; JP7480269B2; TW201841854A; EP3601185A1; MX2019011698A; US11117154B2; JP7194690B2; JP2023017059A; TWI782004B; WO2018183227A1; CN110546116B; JP2020512262A

Abstract

The invention relates to a coating hood for coating glass products with chemical compounds, which is obtained by assembling approximately identical coating hood sections: each coating hood section comprises a series of interconnected walls forming a shell and comprising a top wall, a bottom wall and two opposing side walls; means for connecting positioned on opposing sidewalls of each coated hood section for connecting the coated hood section to substantially identical, adjacent coated hood sections; wherein adjacent coated mask sections are removably and/or releasably connected to each other by a device. In addition, the invention relates to a coated hood section for assembling a coated hood, use of a coated hood section, a kit of hood sections, a method of assembling and disassembling a coated hood section.

Description

Modular cover for coated glass containers

This application is a divisional application of PCT patent application No. PCT/US2018/024420 entitled "modular cover for coating glass containers" filed by applicant's akoma gmbh on 27.3.2018. The PCT patent application entered the chinese national phase at 29/9/2019, with the chinese patent application number 201880022919.7.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a modular coating hood for coating glass containers. An adjustable modular coating hood for coating glass containers includes at least two or more removably and/or releasably connected sections. The at least two sections are connected to each other to provide a modular apparatus for coating glass articles with chemical compounds and can be disassembled and re-connected as desired. The removably and/or releasably connected sections are preferably substantially identical or more preferably identical.

Background

In the process of manufacturing glass containers, the outer surfaces of the glass containers are typically coated with, for example, a metal oxide coating to improve their structural integrity.

Traditionally, the coating process is performed in a coating hood. Coating masks are described, for example, in U.S. patent application publication nos. 2015/0101537; U.S. patent nos. 4,389,234; 5,081,953, respectively; 5,140,940, respectively; 5,454,873, respectively; 5,599,369, respectively; 5,584,903, respectively; and PCT patent application publication No. WO 1996020142, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In a flow-line operation, coating steam is sprayed onto the outer surface of the glass container as it passes through the channels formed in the coating enclosure.

Due to manufacturing, inventory, and internal capital constraints, coated cover manufacturers typically provide coated covers in a limited number of specific fixed lengths, for example, two feet long, eight feet long, etc., and the customer selects the most appropriate fixed length for their current application. In many cases, the coating hoods offered to customers are too large or marginal to meet their current needs. The customer cannot easily change the length of the coated hood. Moreover, because of the long service life of the coated covers, customers are similarly limited to using the same fixed length covers as their production schedules change.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the industry, particularly in the glass coating industry, to provide an adjustable coating enclosure for coating glass containers that can be easily and easily modified by a user according to user requirements and that is easy to clean and maintain. The apparatus may be used for hot end coating or cold end coating of containers.

Disclosure of Invention

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be summarized as follows:

aspect 1: a modular apparatus for coating glass articles with chemical compounds is provided. The modular device comprises: a coated hood section (10a), a blower (24), and a means for connecting (50), the coated hood section (10a) including a series of interconnected walls (12) defining an interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (44), the blower (24) positioned at least partially within the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) to carry air from the inlet (32) to the outlet (44), the means for connecting (50) for connecting the coated hood section (10a) to the same coated hood section (10b), the means for connecting (50) being defined on at least one of the interconnected walls (12) of the coated hood section (10 a).

Aspect 2: the modular apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the means for connecting (50) is positioned on opposing sidewalls of the coated hood section.

Aspect 3: the modular apparatus of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the means for connecting is selected from the group consisting of a connector, a slot, a tang, a tab, a bolt, an opening, a fastener, a screw, a raised surface, a clamp, a clip, a magnet, and a protrusion.

Aspect 4: the modular apparatus of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the identical apparatus (10b) includes the means for connecting (50) and the means for connecting (50) on the identical coated hood section (10b) is configured to releasably connect to the means for connecting (50) on the coated hood section (10 a).

Aspect 5: the modular apparatus of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a suction chamber (20a) in communication with the inlet (32) and a blow chamber (20b) in communication with the outlet (44).

Aspect 6: the modular apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a transfer chamber (18) in communication with the suction chamber (20a) and the blowing chamber (20 b).

Aspect 7: the modular apparatus of aspect 6, wherein the blower (24) is positioned at least partially in the transfer chamber (18).

Aspect 8: the modular apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the suction chamber (20a) includes a series of individual slots (36) through which the chemical compound passes and the blow chamber (20b) includes a series of individual slots (48) through which the chemical compound passes.

Aspect 9: the modular apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the injector (420) is positioned to deliver the chemical compound into the blowing chamber (20 b).

Aspect 10: the modular apparatus of aspect 5, further comprising a partition (22) positioned between the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20 a).

Aspect 11: the modular apparatus of aspect 6, further comprising a wall (31), the wall (31) separating the transfer chamber (18) from the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20 a).

Aspect 12: a method for assembling two identical coated mask sections (10a, 10b) together, the method comprising:

connecting means (50) for connecting on one of the two identical coating masks (10a, 10b) to means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating masks (10a, 10 b).

Aspect 13: the method of aspect 12, further comprising:

connecting the means (50) for connecting of another identical coating hood (10a, 10b) to the other means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10 b).

Aspect 14: a method for disassembling two identical coated casing sections (10a, 10b), the method comprising:

the device (50) for connecting on one of the two identical application masks (10a, 10b) is disconnected from the device (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical application masks (10a, 10 b).

Aspect 15: the method of aspect 14, further comprising:

disconnecting the means (50) for connecting of the other identical coating hood (10a, 10b) from the other means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10 b).

Aspect 16: a modular apparatus for coating glass articles with chemical compounds, the modular apparatus comprising at least two removably and/or releasably connected sections.

Aspect 17: the modular apparatus of aspect 16, wherein the at least two removably and/or releasably connected sections are connected to each other to provide the modular apparatus for coating glass articles with chemical compounds or are removed or released for disassembly.

Aspect 18: the modular apparatus of aspect 16, wherein the at least two removably or releasably connected sections are substantially identical or identical.

Drawings

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. The drawings include the following figures:

fig. 1, 2 and 3 show partial schematic views of a dual vapor circuit coating hood for bottles according to the prior art.

Fig. 4 depicts a method of operating the dual vapor circuit coated hood of fig. 1-3 according to the prior art. .

Fig. 5 and 6 depict isometric views of a modular single vapor circuit coated hood including two modular coated hood sections according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of the modular coated hood of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the modular coated hood of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a modular dual steam circuit coated hood including four modular coated hood sections.

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the dual vapor circuit modular coating enclosure of FIG. 9 modified to create a primary circuit and a recirculation circuit.

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of the dual vapor circuit modular coating enclosure of FIG. 9 modified to create a continuous circuit.

Detailed Description

The present invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and which are selected for purposes of illustration. The present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are included herewith to facilitate explanation of the present invention.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms relating to attachment, coupling, and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable and rigid attachments or relationships.

The present invention will be best understood by a brief preliminary discussion of a prior art coated mask. Fig. 1-3 show partial schematic views of a dual vapor circuit coating hood 400 for bottles according to U.S. patent No. 4,389,234, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The coated hood 400 generally includes two opposing

hood sections

401a and 401b, which are substantially identical. Although not shown, a central cowl section is positioned between opposing

cowl sections

401a and 401 b. Further details of the central cover section may be found in U.S. patent No. 4,668,268, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Bottle 103 passes through the enclosed space defined between opposing

cap sections

401a and 401 b. The enclosed space limits the escape of the coating compound into the atmosphere.

The features of cover section 401b will be described below, however, it should be understood that

cover sections

401a and 401b are substantially identical. Thus, the foregoing description of cover section 401b also applies to cover section 401 a. The hood section 401b includes a plenum housing 402. The air chamber housing 402 includes a rectangular base portion 407a and a manifold portion 407b extending from a front end of the base portion 407 a.

As best shown in fig. 2 and 3, three generally enclosed interior chambers 403a-403c are defined in the plenum housing 402. The interior chamber 403a of the housing 402 is defined by the following walls of the housing 402: a top wall 405h, a bottom wall 405g, a front wall 405f, an outer wall 405a, a rear wall 405b, and an inner wall 405 c. The interior chamber 403b of the housing 402 is defined by the following walls of the housing 402: top wall 405h, bottom wall 405g, front wall 405f, inner wall 405c, inner wall 405d, and rear wall 405 b. Finally, the interior chamber 403c of the housing 402 is defined by the following walls of the housing 402: top wall 405h, bottom wall 405g, front wall 405f, outer wall 405e, rear wall 405b, and inner wall 405 d.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the interior chambers 403a and 403C are in fluid communication by way of a C-shaped hollow passage 406. Thus, fluid vapor travels from interior chamber 403a to chamber 403c via hollow passage 406.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a series of openings or

slots

411a and 411b are defined in the front wall 405f of the plenum housing 402. The slot 411a is configured as a blowing slot, and the slot 411b is configured as a suction slot. The blowing slots 411a may be referred to herein as one or more outlets, while the suction slots 411b may be referred to herein as one or more inlets.

Two

blowers

408 and 409 are mounted to the housing 402. Each

blower

408 and 409 has rotating fan blades 404 attached to a motor by a shaft. The fan blades 404 of the blower 408 are positioned in the interior chamber 403b, while the fan blades 404 of the blower 409 are positioned in the interior chamber 403 c. The motors of

blowers

408 and 409 are optionally positioned outside of housing 402.

As shown in FIG. 1, the injector 420 is mounted to the top wall 405h of the housing 402 adjacent to the fan blades 404 of the blower 408. The proximal end of the injector 420 is fluidly connected to a conduit 430 (a portion of which is shown) through which the liquid coating chemical is dispensed from a liquid coating supply (not shown). In fig. 1, the sidewall 405e of the housing 402 is partially cut away to show the distal end of the injector 420.

The distal end of the injector 420 of the shroud section 401b is positioned downstream of the blower vanes 404 and is axially spaced from the blower vanes 404 by a distance "D1". The distal end of the injector 420 extends into the interior of the manifold portion 407b of the housing 402 by a distance "D2".

Referring to FIG. 4, according to one method of operating dual vapor circuit coating hood 400,

blowers

408 and 409 of each

hood section

401a and 401b are first activated. The coating chemistry is then delivered into the chamber 403b of each

mask section

401a and 401b via the injector 420. The bottle 103 is then conveyed along the path between the

mask sections

401a and 401b as indicated by arrow 454.

As described above, the coating hood 400 has a dual steam circuit. Air streams 450a-450d depict a primary loop 450, while air streams 452a-452d depict a recirculation loop 452.

In the main circuit 450, air streams 450c and 450a are pushed through the injectors 420 of the

mask sections

401a and 401b, respectively, on the pressure side of the blower 408 in the

mask sections

401a and 401 b. Upon mixing with the coating chemical dispensed by the injector 420, the air streams 450c and 450a entrain vaporized coating chemical. Paint entrained air streams 450c and 450a are pushed out of the blow slots 441a associated with the interior chambers 403b of

hood sections

401a and 401b, respectively, by the pressure side of the blower 408. Air streams 450c and 450a entraining coating pass through the bottles 103 positioned in front of those blow slots 441a associated with the interior chambers 403c of

mask sections

401a and 401b, respectively, thereby coating the bottles 103 with vaporized coating chemical.

The vacuum side of blower 408 of

hood sections

401a and 401b draws

air streams

450a and 450c through suction slot 441b and into the interior chambers 403b of

hood sections

401a and 401b, respectively. The vacuum side of blowers 408 of

hood sections

401a and 401b draw paint entrained air streams 450b and 450d through interior chambers 403 of

hood sections

401a and 401b, respectively. The main circuit then repeats as the pressure side of the blower 408 pushes the air streams 450c and 450a through the injectors 420 of

mask sections

401a and 401b, respectively.

As described above, the streams of

air

450a and 450c that entrain the coating contact the bottles 103. As the paint-entrained

air streams

450a and 450c contact the bottle 103, a portion of the paint-entrained

air streams

450a and 450c is scattered outward toward the outer periphery of the mask section. The scattered portions of the paint entrained

air streams

450a and 450c are captured in the recirculation loop 452.

In the recirculation loop 452, the pressure side of the blowers 409 in the

hood sections

401a and 401b push

air streams

452a and 452c out of the blow slots 441a associated with the interior chambers 403c of the

hood sections

401a and 401b, respectively. Air streams 452a and 452c mix with the diffuse portion of coating entrained

air streams

450a and 450c of primary loop 450. The paint-entrained

air streams

452a and 452c of the recirculation loop 452 pass through the bottles 103 positioned in front of those blow slots 441a associated with the interior chambers 403c of the

mask sections

401a and 401b, respectively, thereby coating the bottles 103 with vaporized paint chemical twice.

As previously described, the

internal chambers

403a and 403c of each mask section are fluidly connected by a passage 406. Thus, it follows that the vacuum side of blower 409 positioned in interior chamber 403c of

hood sections

401b and 401a draws in paint-entrained

air streams

452a and 452c through suction slots 441b associated with interior chamber 403a of

hood sections

401b and 401a, respectively. The vacuum side of blower 409 then draws air streams 452d and 452b through passage 406 and into interior chambers 403c of

mask segments

401b and 401a, respectively. The recirculation loop then repeats as the pressure side of the blowers 409 in the

hood sections

401a and 401b push the air streams 452a and 452c out of the blow slots 441a associated with the interior chambers 403c of the

hood sections

401a and 401b, respectively.

As described in the background section, each mask segment 401 is a unitary unit having a fixed length. Each hood section 401 includes two blowers 408/409 and at least three chambers 403. Disassembly of a portion of a single hood section 401 for cleaning, maintenance or repair is neither possible nor feasible.

Turning now to the invention illustrated in fig. 5-8, these figures depict a coating hood 10 for a bottle. It should be noted that the various manifold walls are shown cut away in fig. 5 and 6. It is also to be noted that the figures and the following description provide one or more embodiments that may be preferred. These embodiments are, however, non-limiting examples, and the invention includes configurations and elements that may differ from the configurations and elements shown and described, including, for example, the sizes, shapes, numbers, and arrangements of various elements described and depicted herein.

The coated hood 10 generally includes at least two or more opposing

hood sections

10a and 10 b. Preferably,

cover sections

10a and 10b are identical or substantially identical. Although not shown, a central cover section is positioned between the opposing

cover sections

10a and 10 b. Further details of the central cup section may be found, for example, in U.S. patent No. 4,668,268, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The bottle 103 passes through the enclosed space defined between the opposing

mask sections

10a and 10 b. The enclosed space limits the escape of the coating compound into the atmosphere.

The features of cover section 10a will be described below, however, it should be understood that preferably cover

sections

10a and 10b are identical or substantially identical. Thus, the foregoing description of the cover section 10a also applies to the cover section 10 b.

The mask section 10a includes a plenum housing 12 and a single blower 24 mounted to the plenum housing 12. The air chamber housing 12 includes a base portion 14, for example, substantially rectangular, and a manifold portion 16 extending from a front end of the base portion 14. The base portion 14 and the manifold portion 16 are connected to each other, for example, by welding. The plenum housing 12 may be formed, for example, from steel or aluminum sheet metal.

A single generally rectangular interior transfer chamber 18 is defined in the base portion 14. Fan blades 26 of the blower 24 are positioned inside the interior chamber 18. The blower 24 operates in the opposite direction as shown in fig. 4, however, it should be understood that the blower 24 may operate in the same direction as shown in fig. 4.

Two

chambers

20a and 20b are defined in the manifold portion 16, and the two

chambers

20a and 20b are physically separated by a partition 22. The suction chamber 20a of the manifold portion 16 is partially enclosed by the wall of the housing 12 including the partition 22. The suction chamber 20a extends between an inlet end 32 and an outlet end 30. The outlet end 30 is a funnel-shaped opening provided in a wall 31 of the housing 12, which wall 31 separates the suction chamber 20a from the transfer chamber 18. Outlet end 30 includes an opening 33 (see fig. 6) that is generally aligned with fan blades 26 of blower 24. A series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, more preferably six blow slots 36 are provided in the suction chamber 20 a. Suction slots 36 are formed between adjacent structures of the housing 12 in the form of partitions 38, partitions 22 and housing walls 40.

Although not shown, an injector (similar to injector 420) may be mounted to the mask section 10a for dispensing the chemical into the suction chamber 20 a. The chemical may be dispensed in a liquid state by an injector, which is then vaporized as it travels through the spray booth. Alternatively, the chemical may be dispensed in a gaseous or vapor state through an injector.

The blowing chamber 20b of the manifold portion 16 is partially enclosed by the wall of the housing 12 including the partition 22. The blowing chamber 20a extends between an inlet end 46 and an outlet end 44. As best shown in fig. 6, the inlet end 46 of the blowing chamber 20b opens into and is in fluid communication with the interior transfer chamber 18 of the base portion 14. A series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, more preferably six blowing slots 48 are provided in the blowing chamber 20 b. Blow slots 48 are formed between adjacent structures in the form of partitions 38, partitions 22 and housing walls 49.

Each partition 38 of the

chambers

10a and 10b is generally boat-shaped in cross-section (as shown in fig. 7) and extends along a height dimension "H" (see fig. 6) of the housing 12. As shown in fig. 5, each divider 38 is connected to a top wall 39 and a bottom wall 41 of the housing 12. Although the partition 38 may be hollow, as shown, it should be understood that air is prevented from entering the interior of the partition 38. The partition 38 may be removably connected to the housing 12. It should also be understood that the shape and number of the partitions 38 and the corresponding suction slots 36 may vary from that shown and described and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Each cover section 10a/10b includes means 50 for connecting to an adjacent cover section. The connected cover sections 10a/10b are shown in fig. 9 and 10. The device 50 is schematically shown in fig. 5 and 6. By way of non-limiting example, the device 50 may be a connector, slot, tang, tab, bolt, opening, fastener, screw, raised surface, clamp, clip, magnet, protrusion, and/or any other means of securement known to those skilled in the art. The device 50 preferably provides a releasable and/or removable connection between the connected mask sections 10a/10b so that the mask sections can be connected or disconnected/detached as desired. However, the device 50 may also provide a permanent connection if desired by the end user.

Means 50 are provided on

opposite side walls

40 and 49 of each hood section 10a/10 b. Alternatively, the device 50 may also be provided on the top wall 39 and/or the bottom wall 41 of each cover section 10a/10 b. One or more means 50 may be provided on each

wall

39, 40, 41 and/or 49 for securing the attached cover sections 10a/10 b. The device 50 may be disposed on one or more corners of a

particular wall

39, 40, 41 and/or 49.

With the modular cover sections 10a/10b described herein, a coated cover manufacturer may produce identical or substantially identical cover modules that may then be attached together or removed by a customer to create the necessary cover length for a particular application. After installation, the casing sections 10a/10b may be removed from the existing installed equipment to allow for different production speeds, or for replacement, repair or cleaning of individual casing sections 10a/10b as needed. Any number of modular cover sections 10a/10b may be connected together from two or more at any time and as desired. Alternatively, a non-modular cover section (not shown) may be connected to one of the modular cover sections 10a/10 b.

Although not shown, each modular hood section 10a/10b may include a handle or insert for lifting.

The operation of the coating mask 10 will now be described with respect to the above embodiments. The fluid flow through the coated hood 10 is depicted by arrows in fig. 7. In operation, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, rotation of the fan blades of blower 24 of mask segment 10a causes fluid to be delivered into suction chamber 20a of mask segment 10a via inlet end 32 and then through suction slot 36. The fluid is also delivered into the suction chamber 20a of the hood section 10a by means of the blowing action of the blower 24 of the hood section 10 b. Still referring to mask section 10a, fluid is then dispensed into the interior transfer chamber 18 via inlet port 30. The fluid is then delivered through the fan blades, into the blow chamber 20b of the hood section 10a via the inlet end 46, and then through the blow slot 48. The fluid then exits the blowing chamber 20b via the outlet end 44 and is dispensed onto the bottle 103.

At the same time, rotation of the fan blades of blower 24 of shroud segment 10b causes fluid to be delivered into suction chamber 20a of shroud segment 10b via inlet end 32 and then through suction slot 36. By means of the blowing action of the blower 24 of the hood section 10a (as discussed above), fluid is also delivered into the suction chamber 20a of the hood section 10 b. The fluid is then distributed into the internal transfer chamber 18 of mask section 10b via the inlet end 30 of mask section 10 b. The fluid is then delivered through the fan blades, into the blow chamber 20b of the hood section 10a via the inlet end 46, and then through the blow slot 48. The fluid then exits the blowing chamber 20b via the outlet end 44 and is dispensed onto the bottle 103.

The coated casing sections 10a/10b may be arranged to provide a single primary circuit, as shown in fig. 7, or the casing sections 10a/10b may be connected to one or more casing sections 10a/10b to create various other circuit configuration embodiments as shown in fig. 9-11. Alternate circuit configuration embodiments are described below, and it should be understood that only the primary differences between the alternate circuit configuration embodiments and the coating shield of fig. 5-8 will be described.

Fig. 9 shows four cover sections 10a/10b, which are connected to form two independent main circuits, as depicted by the arrows. In fig. 9, one main loop is depicted by solid arrows, while the other main loop is depicted by dashed arrows.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first row of hood sections 10a/10b shown at the top of fig. 9 is housed inside a frame 59 a. Similarly, a second row of cover sections 10a/10b, shown at the bottom of FIG. 9, is housed inside frame 59 b. The aforementioned means 50 on each cover section 10a/10b may be connected to mating connection means provided on the respective frame 59a/59 b. The frame 59a/59b may be provided in a variety of different lengths, shapes and sizes. Although

frames

59a and 59b are not shown in other coating mask embodiments, it should be understood that

frames

59a and 59b may be used with those coating mask embodiments. The frame 59a/59b is an optional feature of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows four mask sections 10a/10b, which are connected to form a main circuit 58 and a recirculation circuit 60. In fig. 10, the recirculation loop 60 is depicted by dashed arrows, while the primary loop 58 is depicted by solid arrows.

To convert the coating hood of fig. 9 to the coating hood of fig. 10 with a recirculation loop 60, one may, for example, (i) add a partition 62 in each base portion 14 to prevent fluid from moving between

adjacent chambers

20a and 20b of the respective coating hood segment 10a/10b, (ii) add an external conduit 64 between the outermost chambers 20a/20b to create the recirculation loop 60, and (iii) add an external conduit 66 between the innermost chambers 20a/20b to create the primary loop 58. The

external conduits

64 and 66 are tubes connected to openings formed in a rear wall 68 of the housing 12.

If the user does not desire to incorporate a recirculation loop, the divider 62 and

conduits

64 and 66 may be removed, and the opening in the rear wall 68 may be covered by one or more plates (not shown) to return the coating hood to its configuration shown in FIG. 9.

Figure 11 shows four cover sections 10a/10b which are connected to form a single continuous loop. The coating hood of FIG. 11 is similar to the coating hood of FIG. 10, except that the second row (lower) coating hood section 10a2/10b2 in FIG. 11 does not include the

external conduits

64 and 66 and the divider 62.

In operation, as depicted by the arrows in fig. 11, by means of the blower, fluid travels from chamber 20b of mask section 10a1, across the bottle and into chamber 20a of mask section 10b2, into transfer chamber 18 of mask section 10b2, to chamber 20b of mask section 10b2, and across the bottle and into chamber 20a of mask section 10a1, through external conduit 66, into chamber 20b of mask section 10b1, across the bottle and into chamber 20a of mask section 10a2, into transfer chamber 18 of mask section 10a2, to chamber 20b of mask section 10a2, across the bottle and into chamber 20a of mask section 10b1, through external conduit 64, and finally back to chamber 20b of mask section 10a 1.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the coated mask sections 10a/10b may be constructed and arranged in a variety of ways to achieve any desired purpose.

In this specification, embodiments have been described in a manner that enables a clear and concise description to be written, but it is intended and will be understood that various combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments may be made without departing from the invention. For example, it will be understood that all of the preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.

Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention herein. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A coated cover (10) for coating a glass article with a chemical compound, obtained by assembling substantially identical coated cover sections (10a, 10 b):

wherein each coating hood section (10a, 10b) comprises a series of interconnected walls forming a shell (12) and comprising a top wall (39), a bottom wall (41) and two opposite side walls (40, 49);

the housing includes a generally rectangular base portion (14) and a manifold portion (16) extending from a front end of the base portion (14);

the housing defines an interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (44);

the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) includes a suction chamber (20a) and a blow chamber (20b) defined in the manifold portion (16), wherein the suction chamber (20a) communicates with the inlet (32) and the blow chamber (20b) communicates with the outlet (44)

The inner chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a transfer chamber (18) defined in the base portion (14), wherein the transfer chamber (18) is in communication with the suction chamber (20a) and the blowing chamber (20 b);

a blower (24) positioned at least partially in the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) to carry air from the inlet (32) to the outlet (44);

means (50) for connecting positioned on opposing sidewalls (40, 49) of each coated hood section for connecting the coated hood section (10a, 10b) to substantially identical, adjacent coated hood sections (10a, 10 b);

wherein the coated hood (10) comprises a first row of at least two adjacent, substantially identical coated hood sections (10a, 10b), a second row of opposing at least two adjacent, substantially identical coated hood sections (10a, 10b), and a central hood portion positioned between the opposing coated hood sections (10a, 10 b); and is

Wherein adjacent coated hood sections (10a, 10b) are removably and/or releasably connected to each other by the device (50).

2. The applicator hood (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said means for connecting is selected from the group consisting of connectors, slots, tangs, tabs, bolts, openings, fasteners, screws, raised surfaces, clamps, clips, magnets and protrusions; preferably, the means for connecting is a connector.

3. The coating hood (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said blower (24) is positioned at least partially in said transfer chamber (18).

4. The coating hood according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the suction chamber (20a) comprises a series of individual suction slots (36) through which the chemical compound passes and the blowing chamber (20b) comprises a series of individual blowing slots (48) through which the chemical compound passes.

5. The coated hood according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an injector (420) is positioned to deliver a chemical compound into the blowing chamber (20b) of each coated hood section (10a, 10 b).

6. The coating hood according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a partition (22) positioned between the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20 a).

7. The coating hood according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the modular apparatus further comprises a wall (31), said wall (31) separating the transfer chamber (18) from the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20 a).

8. The coating hood according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said suction chamber (20a) comprises a series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, better six individual suction slots (36) and a series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, better six blowing slots (48).

9. The coated hood according to claim 8, characterized in that the suction slot (36) is formed between adjacent structures in the form of one of a plurality of partitions (38), partitions (22) and side walls (40).

10. Coating hood according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the blowing slots (48) are formed between adjacent structures in the form of one of a plurality of partitions (38), partitions (22) and side walls (49).

11. The coating hood according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that each partition (38) is substantially boat-shaped in cross section and extends along the height dimension (H) of the shell (12).

12. The coating hood according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that each partition (38) is connected to the top wall (39) and the bottom wall (41) of the housing (12).

13. The coating hood according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the partition (38) is hollow.

14. The coating hood according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the partition (38) is removably connected to the housing (12).

15. The coated hood according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each row of adjacent coated hood sections (10a, 10b) is arranged to form a separate main circuit.

16. The coated hood according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first row of adjacent coated hood sections is accommodated inside a frame (59a) and an opposite second row of adjacent coated hood sections is accommodated inside a frame (59 b).

17. The coated hood according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coated hood sections (10a, 10b) are arranged to form a main circuit (58) and a recirculation circuit (59) simultaneously.

18. A coated hood section (10a, 10b) for assembling a coated hood (10) according to any preceding claim.

19. Use of at least two substantially identical coated hood sections (10a, 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for assembling a coated hood (10).

20. Kit comprising at least two, preferably at least four substantially identical coated hood sections (10a, 10b) for assembling a coated hood (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

21. A method for assembling at least two substantially identical, adjacent coated hood segments (10a, 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising: connecting means (50) for connecting on one of the two substantially identical, adjacent coated casing sections (10a, 10b) to means (50) for connecting on the other of the two substantially identical coated casing sections (10a, 10 b);

optionally, the means (50) for connecting of another substantially identical, adjacent coated hood section (10a, 10b) is connected to the other means (50) for connecting on the other of the two substantially identical, adjacent coated hood sections (10a, 10 b).

22. A method for disassembling at least two substantially identical, adjacent coated casing sections (10a, 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising:

disconnecting the means for connecting (50) on one of the two substantially identical, adjacent coated hood sections (10a, 10b) from the means for connecting (50) on the other of the two substantially identical, adjacent coated hood sections (10a, 10 b);

optionally, the means (50) for connecting of the other substantially identical, adjacent coated hood (10a, 10b) is disconnected from the other means (50) for connecting on the other of the two substantially identical, adjacent coated hoods (10a, 10 b).